Ancient Civilizations

Laguna resident and green pioneer Chris Prelitz has written a new book, “Green Made Easy,” which aims to convey that going green is not only good for our planet, but good for our pocketbooks as well. “We’re rediscovering that it’s so much healthier, more lucrative, and better for every living thing to transition away from wasteful, polluting technologies and make choices that work in harmony with nature,” he said. “It may cost more money upfront, but the return on our investments is greater when we do it right.

'Arabia' garners top awards MacGillivray Freeman's newest 3D film for IMAX Theatres, "Arabia," was recently awarded Best Original Score and Best Sound Design by the members of the Giant Screen Cinema Assn. at the 2010 GSCA Film Achievement Awards in Chattanooga. The Film Achievement Awards honor the best films of the year produced for the giant-screen industry. MacGillivray Freeman Films, based in Laguna Beach, also won the Best Marketing Campaign by a Distributor award for its launch of "Arabia," an award the company has won seven times in the nine years it has been eligible.

The rose has held a mystical relationship with man (and woman) since the earliest times. For the ancient western civilizations, the rose came to symbolize love and passion. The Romans featured roses in their feasts and orgies, mainly to mask unpleasant odors. Meanwhile, on the Eastern side of the globe, the Chinese preferred to honor roses a bit more poetically. One named “Yu-go-tain-tsing” (“Clear Shining after Rain”) has always intrigued me. The rose advanced from a ceremonial constituent of paganism to serious usage by practitioners of healthy living.

Following are some of the many camps and activities for kids and teens this summer in Laguna Beach. PINNIPED PARADISE The Pacific Marine Mammal Center's Camp Pinniped is a hands-on weeklong educational experience for kids ages 8-12. At the working hospital on Laguna Canyon Road, "junior volunteers" will learn about the rehabilitation process, including rescue procedures and feeding techniques, while helping with chores and other activities. They will learn about marine biology, create ocean art and even make "fish smoothies" for their charges.

THE GARDEN FANATIC "Long ago. Far away ... " --Harry Nilsson "The rose represents love, magic, hope and the mystery of life itself." --Diana Wells The rose has held a mystical relationship with man since the earliest times. For the ancient western civilizations across the Atlantic, the rose came to symbolize love and passion. The Romans featured roses in their many feasts and gatherings, mainly to mask unpleasant odors. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, the inscrutable Chinese preferred to honor roses a bit more poetically -- one rose was named "Yu-go-tain-tsing" ("Clear Shining after Rain")

Laguna resident and green pioneer Chris Prelitz has written a new book, “Green Made Easy,” which aims to convey that going green is not only good for our planet, but good for our pocketbooks as well. “We’re rediscovering that it’s so much healthier, more lucrative, and better for every living thing to transition away from wasteful, polluting technologies and make choices that work in harmony with nature,” he said. “It may cost more money upfront, but the return on our investments is greater when we do it right.